Website 'to help parents compare childcare services

The website, www.mychild.gov.au, provides parents with information about health, education and Government benefits, such as the 50per cent childcare rebate.

It also provides details of childcare centres and providers, their facilities, services and fees. Education Minister Julia Gillard says the website will make it easier for parents to compare services in their area.

"One of the problems for parents has been that there has been no way to check fee arrangements in a way that's comparable," she said.

"If you ring up different centres they will quote their childcare fees depending on different arrangements, whether or not, for example, food is included or nappies are included.